Packaging for a potable liquid and method of providing said packaging

ABSTRACT

Packaging for a potable liquid includes an inner core and an outer portion; said inner core comprising an edible matrix capable of retaining liquid; said outer portion substantially enclosing said core so as to prevent evaporation of said liquid, and said core retaining said liquid when said core is exposed such that substantially all of said liquid is retained therein upon removal of at least part of the said outer portion, in use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to packaging for a liquid and a method of providing said packaging. More particularly, but not exclusively, it relates to a packaging for potable liquid, for example a beverage or alternatively a pharmaceutical.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typical packaging for potable liquids/beverages, includes bottles, cans, draught systems and gels containing the beverages.

[0003] In all the above cases the free flowing or, in the case of gels, semi-solid liquid are held within a container. Once opened or split the liquid can be poured, drained or drawn from the container in a continuous, or a near continuous fashion. This presents a problem in the event of accidental damage to the container, or if a non-resealable container is used and the beverage is not drunk immediately, in that the liquid/beverage can be spilt.

[0004] A further disadvantage with such packaging is that once the container is opened a significant surface area may be exposed from which evaporation can take place and liquid can be lost and/or the concentration of a solute increased.

[0005] There is also a large degree of waste packaging which must be dealt with, either by recycling or by disposal,

[0006] A further disadvantage of these types of packaging is that when it is desired to share the liquids/beverages they cannot be readily divided into portions and, in the case of cans, people often drink directly from the same outlet opening, which is clearly undesirable from a hygiene perspective,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided packaging for a potable liquid including an inner core and an outer portion; said inner core comprising an edible matrix capable of retaining liquid, said outer portion substantially enclosing said core so as to prevent evaporation of said liquid, and said core retaining said liquid when said core is exposed such that substantially all of said liquid is retained therein upon removal of at least part of the said outer portion, in use.

[0008] The core may have interstices adapted to retain the liquid. The core may have a cellular matrix or a fibrous matrix. Liquid may be retained in cells of the matrix. Alternatively or additionally liquid may be retained between fibres/structures—not necessarily retained in closed cells. Surface tension of the liquid may assist in retaining it in the matrix.

[0009] The core may be edible, The outer portion may be edible. The outer portion may be a skin. The skin may be a wax or a glaze. Alternatively the skin may be a confectionery, for example, molten sugar sprayed onto the core. The outer portion may be a barrier material capable of preventing the ingress of dirt and/or some bacteria.

[0010] The core may be an edible solid foam material. The matrix may have a plurality of passages some of which open onto the outer surface of the core. The passages may provide pores by means of which the core can absorb the liquid. The pores may retain the liquid by capillary action, in use.

[0011] The core may have a cross-rib therein, so as to support the outer portion, in use. There may be a plurality of cross-ribs defining compartments within the core. The cross-ribs may define discrete compartments within the core and may each contain a different liquid.

[0012] The core may be formed of roughage, for example a cellulose based material. The core may remain substantially solid upon introduction of the liquid therein.

[0013] The dry core may have a mass of 10% or less, 8% or less, 6% or less, 4% or less, 2.5% or less, 2% or less than the mass of the packaging containing the liquid.

[0014] The core may be segmented, with the segments being detachable from each other, for example like an orange, in order to aid division of the liquid into portions. The segments may not be connected to each other, but may be separable once the skin has been removed. The skin may be similarly segmented or marked with portion indicators. Each segment may constitute a discrete, minor, package and each may deliver a different liquid.

[0015] The core may have a fluid retaining capacity of more than 100 litres, 100 litres or less, 50 litres or less, 14 litres or less, 10 litres or less, 5 litres or less, 1 litre or less, 750 ml or less e.g. a bottle of wine, 568 ml or less e.g. a pint of beer, 330 ml or less e.g. a soft drinks can, 125 ml or less or 25 ml or less e.g. a measure of a short or within range between any two of the preceding volumes. The core may be in the shape of a container which it is designed to replace.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment the container is about hand-sized, say the size of an apple (e.g. generally round with a diameter of about 3, 4 or 5 inches, or thereabouts).

[0017] The core may retain 95% or more by volume, or alternatively by weight, of the liquid retained therein when it is cleaved, cut or segmented. Preferably the core retains 96% or more, more preferably 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more of the fluid retained therein.

[0018] The core may be liquidisable, preferably by a straw adapted to liquidise the solid core and through which the liquidised core may be withdrawn. For example, movement of the straw within the package may break up the matrix material into a flow-able mush.

[0019] The liquid may be a beverage. The beverage may be an alcoholic beverage or may be a non-alcoholic beverage. The beverage may be carbonated. In the case of carbonated beverages the gas may be introduced into the core through a semi-permeable skin which may subsequently be made non-permeable, for example, by a curing process. The curing process may be a thermal and or a chemical curing process.

[0020] The liquid may be a pharmaceutical or a pharmaceutical in solution. The pharmaceutical may be for treating humans and/or for treating animals,

[0021] The package may have any combination, or all, of a lipid based skin, a carbohydrate core, and a consommé liquid, and may thereby supply nutrients substantially equivalent to a meal,

[0022] The package may, when ruptured, deliver a known volume of liquid. This will be particularly applicable to the mixing of cocktails, for example where a plurality of packages is placed in a cocktail shaker, possibly with a rupturing mechanism for the packages therein, and the packages are broken and a cocktail formed.

[0023] Either/both of the core/and the skin may dissolve in a second liquid. The second liquid may be at an elevated temperature relative to the ambient and may contain at least one component of the first liquid. This allows the dosing of the second liquid with the first liquid, for example brandy or other spirit drink in coffee (or other non-alcoholic beverage, such as cola, fruit juice, (e.g. orange juice) ginger ale etc.).

[0024] There may be further packaging external of the outer portion. This farther packaging may take the form of a coating which may be harder than the outer portion. The further packaging serves to prevent damage to the packaging during transportation and/or storage.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing packaging for a liquid including:

[0026] providing an inner core in the form of a matrix capable of holding a liquid;

[0027] dosing said core with a liquid such that said liquid resides in said matrix; and

[0028] substantially enclosing said core in said outer portion so as to substantially prevent evaporation of said liquid.

[0029] Preferably the core can self-support the liquid: i.e. when dosed with liquid not much, or substantially none, of the liquid readily runs out of the core under the influence of gravity alone.

[0030] The dosing of the inner portion with the liquid may take the form of any one or any combination of; injection with the liquid, partial or complete immersion in the liquid, spraying of the inner portion with the liquid. The dosing may take place before, or after, the provision of the outer portion.

[0031] The outer portion may be provided by immersing the core in molten wax or spraying the core with a confectionery, for example sugar.

[0032] The dosed liquid may be a beverage. The beverage may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

[0033] There may be provided the additional step of passing a gas, for example CO₂ or N₂, into the core in order to pressurise/‘carbonate’ the liquid.

[0034] Alternatively the liquid may be pre-pressurised ‘carbonated’/‘nitrogenated’ prior to the dosing of the core with the liquid.

[0035] The outer portion may allow the ingress of the gas into, but not the egress of the gas out of the inner portion.

[0036] The additional step of curing a semi-permeable outer portion may be provided for example, in order to prevent the outflow of the gas from the inner portion.

[0037] There may be provided the additional step of segmenting and/or portioning either or both of the inner/outer portions.

[0038] The additional step of providing cross-ribs internally of the inner portion in order to support the outer portion, in use, may be provided.

[0039] Additionally, or alternatively the additional step of providing further packaging externally of the system, for example a box or coating, may be provided.

[0040] According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid delivery, system including a plurality of packages, the plurality of packages being contained within a major package according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0041] The packages may be in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, or they may be “skinless”, having a matrix but no individual outer encapsulating portion.

[0042] Several fruit flavoured cordials may be encapsulated in different matrix regions or sections to provide different taste sensations dependent upon whereabouts the matrix is bitten or sliced. Of course, the liquids need not be fruit flavoured, but could simple be differently flavoured liquids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which.

[0044]FIG. 1 is a sectional view of packaging for a liquid according to the present invention;

[0045]FIGS. 2a to 2 d are schematic representations of segmented packaging for a liquid according to the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 2e is a schematic representation of an edible matrix forming a core of packaging according to the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a pressurisation system for packaging for a liquid delivery system according to the present invention;

[0048]FIGS. 4a to 4 d are schematic representations of embodiments of the present invention;

[0049]FIG. 5a is a schematic representation of packaging for a liquid, in accordance with the present invention, being placed in a vessel containing a potable liquid;

[0050]FIG. 5b is a schematic representation of a plurality of packages in accordance with the present invention and a blender;

[0051]FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an embodiment packaging according to the present invention being hung from a tree; and

[0052]FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of packaging according to the present invention as a Christmas decoration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Packaging 10 for a liquid is in the form of an apple, and includes a core 12 and an outer portion, typically in the form of a skin 14.

[0054] The core 12 is made from a solid, absorbent, porous, edible material. The core 12 has a plurality of cross-ribs 15 extending throughout its extent in three mutually perpendicular directions. The cross-ribs 15 are typically made from a resilient, edible, material which may be of the same or a similar material to the core 12.

[0055] The skin 14 completely encapsulates the core 12 and is typically made of an edible wax or confectionery, The entire packaging 10 may be edible such that it is possible to bite into the core 12 and chew a piece of the core 12 in order to obtain the liquid therefrom, this is similar to eating an apple.

[0056] Alternatively the core 12 may be liquidised and removed via a straw or through an opening in the skin 14, A liquidising straw 16 is shown penetrating the skin 14 into the core 12, thereby simulating the stem of the apple. The straw 16 has a plurality of teeth 18, adapted to the break up the core 12, at an end thereof which lies internally of the core 12. The straw 16 is typically made of a plastics material and may be provided separately, with the packaging 10, and inserted by the user. Alternatively the straw 16 may be integrally formed with the packaging 10. Also, the straw 16 may not have teeth 18 at one end but may have a spoon, paddle, propeller, tines or an, other suitable implement adapted to liquidise the core 12 thereat. The core may be liquidised by mechanical movement of the straw in the breaking up the structure of the matrix to form a flow-able mush.

[0057] The matrix could, for example, be a structure of ice crystals which are broken up to make the liquid trapped flow-able within the smaller, ice crystals.

[0058] In use, the core 12 may be provided in a variety of sizes and dosed with a predetermined amount of liquid, for example 330 ml in the case of a soft drink, or 25 ml in the case of a spirit, which is appropriate to the size of the core 12. The dosing can be typically carried out by immersing the core 12, in the liquid, injecting the core 12 with the liquid or standing the core 12 in a bath or tray (not shown) of the liquid,

[0059] The skin 14 is applied to the outer surface of the core 12 in order to prevent evaporation of the liquid from the core 12 and in order to prevent the effusion of the liquid during transportation. The skin 14 is also important for hygiene considerations in that it helps prevent bacterial, microbial and fungal attacks on the liquid containing core.

[0060] The cross-ribs 15 add rigidity to the core and thereby retain the skin 14 in position, preventing the core 12 from being crushed during transportation/storage,

[0061] The straw 16 is shown inserted through the skin 14 into the core 12. The action of the teeth 18 upon movement of the straw 16 breaks down the core 12 and the cross-ribs 15 so that a pulp is formed within the skin 14 which can be removed either via the straw 16 or draining the pulp from an opening (not shown) in the skin 14. The straw could be used to form the drainage opening which could be the straw-introduction opening, Or it could be a second opening, for example generally opposite the straw-introduction opening.

[0062] It will be appreciated that it is possible to remove part or all of the skin 14 in order to expose the core 12 in order to remove part thereof or remove the liquid therefrom.

[0063] It will further be appreciated that an optional coating 20 can be applied over the skin 14 which will typically be harder than the skin 14. The coating 20 can be used instead of/in addition to the cross-ribs 15 in order to ensure damage free transportation of the packaged liquids. This hard outer coating 20 is typically made from, for example, pectin, carrageenan, gelatin, alginates, starch, gellan, gum arabic or sugars, agar, guar, karaya, konjac, tara, tragacanth, xanthan, mineral oils e.g. paraffin.

[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 2a to 2 d packaging 10 includes a plurality of curved, wedge shaped segments 22. Each of the segments 22 includes a body portion 24 and an outer skin 26. The segments could be frangibly attached to adjacent segments, or could be unconnected to each other.

[0065] The body portion 24 is made from a similar or the same material to, and serves the same purpose as, the core 12 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. The skin 26 is made from the same or a similar material to, and serves the same purpose as, the skin 14 and extends over the curved outer surface of the body portions 24. Although not shown, the skin 26 may enclose the entire body portion 24.

[0066] The provision of segments 22 allows the liquid to be dispensed in defined measures/portions and the liquid/beverage to be easily shared. It also allows different liquids to be in different segments.

[0067] The packaging 10 can be further covered in an outer coating (not shown) in order to prevent damage thereto during transportation.

[0068] Referring now to FIG. 2e, the core 12 comprises a matrix 50, usually an edible matrix formed from roughage, foam, compacted particulate matter or honeycomb type material. The matrix 50 has pores or passageways or channels 52 opening to a surface 54 thereof. The pores 52 defining opening to interstices 56 which may be in the form of channels 58, voids 60 or both. A liquid dosed upon the matrix 50 resides in these interstices 56, typically by capillary action. The matrix 50 is then encapsulated in the skin 14 so as to prevent evaporation of the liquid from the core 12.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 3, packaging 10 is adapted to contain a carbonated liquid, for example a sparkling beverage, includes a core 28, and a semi-permeable skin 30.

[0070] A gas supply 32, typically CO₂ or Na is connected to a delivery mask 34 via a supply line 36. The mask 34 is held in abutment with the skin 30, effectively forming a sealed region 38, the supply 32 is actuated and gas passes along the supply line 36 and is forced through the skin 30, by pressure of the gas.

[0071] The skin 30 is then cured either, by chemical means, for example by the introduction of a curing gas into the ambient surrounding the system or by thermal means, in order to make it non-permeable and thereby retain the injected gas within the core 28.

[0072] Some of the gas is liberated from solution within the core 28 upon rupturing the skin 30 in a similar manner to the liberation of gas from pressurised liquids upon the opening of the bottle of a pressurised liquid.

[0073] Alternatively in a further embodiment of the present invention (not shown), a core can be dosed with a carbonated liquid under a pressurised atmosphere in order to retain the gas in the core. The core is then coated with the skin, whilst still in a pressurised atmosphere and then removed from the atmosphere. The skin, in this case, is non-permeable therefore the gas is retained within the core by the skin.

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 4a to 4 d, packaging can be produced in a shape that is representative of the flavour of the liquid that is contained therein, for example a strawberry 62, a cherry 64, a banana 66 or an orange 68.

[0075] In a yet further application shown in FIG. 5a, the packaging 70, i.e. both the skin and the core, dissolves in a second liquid in a vessel 72, the vessel 72 is typically a cup or a glass. The liquid contained in the packaging 70 is released into the second liquid. For example a measure of brandy, typically 25 ml, contained within the packaging 70 is released upon being dissolved in a cup 72 containing coffee to provide a liqueur coffee. Alternatively, the packaging 70 may contain whisky or bourbon and the vessel 72 contains cola. In a yet further alternative the vessel 72 contains beer and the packaging 70 contains a measure of cordial or lemonade.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 5b, a plurality of packages 74 a-d each, typically, containing a different flavour of beverage are placed in a blender 76. The blender 76 is actuated and the packages 74 a-d are liquidised by a blade 78 to form a cocktail of the beverages contained in the packages 74 a-d. This allows pre-measured, packaged amounts of beverages to be served thereby reducing wastage and also the opportunity for bar staff to serve more or less than the correct measure of a beverage.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 6, a package 80 is typically in the shape of a fruit, for example a cherry, has a straw 82 projecting therefrom, The straw 82 is bendable towards a free end 84 thereof. The straw 82 is shown with the free end 84 bend so as to define a hook portion 86. The hook portion 86 is used to hang the package 80 from a branch 88 or other projection. The straw 82 has sufficient stiffness to prevent the free end 84 bending when the package 80 is depending from the branch 88 but can be straightened by a user in order to drink a beverage contained therein.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 7, packaging can be produced in the form of a Christmas decoration 90, having an outer skin 92 that has a design 94, for example a snowman, upon it. The outer skin 92 can also have edible glitter 94 placed upon it in order to improve the eye appeal of the decoration 90.

[0079] It will be appreciated that the packaging need not be in the shape of a fruit but may be in any convenient shape, for example a Valentine heart, a sporting trophy, a tree for example a Christmas tree, an Easter egg, a can, a vehicle for example a New York taxi or a container/bottle.

[0080] It will be further appreciated that the core need not have internal cross-ribs, there can be external further packaging in order to prevent damage to the system during transportation and storage. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Packaging for a potable liquid including an inner core and an outer portion; said inner core comprising an edible matrix capable of retaining liquid; said outer portion substantially enclosing said core so as to prevent evaporation of said liquid, and said core retaining said liquid when said core is exposed such that substantially all of said liquid is retained therein upon removal of at least part of the said outer portion, in use.
 2. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core has interstices arranged to retain said liquid.
 3. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer portion is a skin.
 4. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core has a dry weight of 2.5% or less than a weight of said packaging containing said liquid.
 5. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core is formed from a plurality of segments.
 6. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer portion is marked with segmentation indicators.
 7. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core retains at least 95%, of said liquid retained therein upon cleaving of said core.
 8. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core is formed of an edible solid foam material.
 9. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer portion dissolves in a second liquid, in use.
 10. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core dissolves in a second liquid, in use.
 11. Packaging as claimed in claim 9 wherein said second liquid is at an elevated temperature relative to ambient, in use.
 12. Packaging as claimed in claim 10 wherein said second liquid is at an elevated temperature relative to ambient, in use.
 13. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core remains substantially solid upon the introduction of said liquid therein.
 14. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said core has cross-ribs therein.
 15. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said liquid is carbonated by introducing a gas into said core.
 16. Packaging as claimed in claim 15 wherein said gas is introduced through said outer portion.
 17. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said liquid retained therein is a pharmaceutical.
 18. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a straw.
 19. A combination as claimed in claim 18 wherein said straw is adapted to liquidise said core, in use.
 20. A potable liquid delivery system wherein a plurality of minor packages are contained within a major package, said major package comprising an inner core and an outer portion; said inner core comprising an edible matrix capable of retaining liquid; said outer portion substantially enclosing said core so as to prevent evaporation of said liquid, and said core retaining said liquid when said core is exposed such that substantially all of said liquid is retained therein upon removal of at least part of the said outer portion, in use.
 21. A system according to claim 20 wherein said minor packages comprise an inner core and an outer portion, said inner core comprising an edible matrix capable of retaining liquid; said outer portion substantially enclosing said core so as to prevent evaporation of said liquid, and said core retaining said liquid when said core is exposed such that substantially all of said liquid is retained therein upon removal of at least part of the said outer portion, in use.
 22. A method of providing packaging for a liquid including: i) providing an inner core in the form of a matrix capable of holding a liquid; ii) dosing said core with a liquid such that said liquid resides in said matrix; and iii) substantially enclosing said core in said outer portion so as to substantially prevent evaporation of said liquid.
 23. A method-as claimed in claim 22 including the step of passing A gas into the core. 